Emma Hodson-Tole

Professor Emma Hodson-Tole is a leading researcher in neuromuscular biomechanics at Manchester Metropolitan University, where she investigates the interplay between skeletal muscle anatomy, physiology, and neurodegenerative diseases like Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Her work integrates ultrasound imaging and electromyography to develop innovative tools for measuring muscle health and disease progression.

• PhD from University of London (Structure & Motion Laboratory, Royal Veterinary College, 2007)
• Postdoctoral Fellow, School of Applied Physiology, Georgia Institute of Technology
• Current Professor of Neuromuscular Biomechanics at Manchester Metropolitan University

Her research focuses on:

• Diagnosis and monitoring of neurodegenerative diseases
• Mechanisms of motor unit recruitment and variability in neuro-motor control
• Biomedical imaging techniques for skeletal muscle
• Applications of signal processing and computer vision in neuromuscular studies

Recent publications highlight her work on:

• Evaluating digital monitoring tools for MND progression
• Age-related muscle changes and mobility limitations
• Ultrasound-based fasciculation detection
• Muscle architecture during dynamic movements

Scientific awards include the Sir Henry Wellcome Postdoctoral Fellowship. Her projects, funded by the MRC MND Accelerator and The MND Association, aim to improve early MND diagnosis and personalized care through remote monitoring and advanced imaging. She collaborates with institutions like Kings College London, University College London, and healthcare providers in Salford and Sheffield.

Teaching emphasizes skeletal muscle function and peripheral nervous system behaviors in courses such as BSc Human Physiology and MSc Human Physiology. She supervises undergraduate and postgraduate students and is involved in public engagement via projects like Star Cells, a neurophysiology-inspired dance collaboration with The Physiological Society.